Podcast Summary: BNI & The Power of One

Episode 879: You Need to Follow Up Quickly!

Host: Tim Roberts
Date: February 16, 2026

Overview

This episode addresses the vital role of prompt follow-up in BNI referrals. Tim Roberts responds to an anonymous listener’s concern about members taking too long to act on referrals and explores the consequences for both reputation and future referrals. The discussion centers around best practices, expectations, and the need for urgency in follow-up to uphold trust and success within BNI.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: The Listener’s Question

Timestamp: 00:00–02:10

• The question came from an anonymous member frustrated after three referrals were not followed-up for at least five days.
• The listener believes referrals should be a priority and addressed the same day, as delays impact both business opportunities and the referrer’s reputation.

2. The Expectation of Prompt Follow-Up

Timestamp: 02:11–06:00

• Tim agrees: “You should rightfully expect a quick turnaround in following up on the referrals you pass...anything that we receive we should be trying to connect as quickly as possible.” (Tim Roberts, 02:30)
• Suggests a practical standard: reach out within 24 hours of receiving a referral.
• Acknowledges variation based on profession or how the referral is communicated (e.g., BNI Connect app, email, etc.).

3. The Importance of Communication

Timestamp: 06:01–09:30

• Recommends not only submitting the referral in the app but also directly contacting the member, ideally with a phone call or voicemail.
• “If you can call them today or tomorrow, that would be greatly appreciated to kind of set an expectation.” (Tim Roberts, 06:45)
• Highlights that app notifications can be missed; active communication bridges the gap and sets a clear sense of urgency.

4. Consequences of Delayed Follow-Up

Timestamp: 09:31–13:00

• Five-day waits represent either low engagement or a communication breakdown.
• “Your number one job is to make the person referring you look good. That should be your mindset.” (Tim Roberts, 10:15)
• Delays can damage the referrer’s reputation, reducing their willingness to refer again.
• “When you start questioning if this person’s affecting my reputation...it would kill the desire to refer them any further.” (Tim Roberts, 11:30)

5. Earning, Not Expecting, Referrals

Timestamp: 13:01–15:30

• Tim reminds: “You have no right to them, you still have to earn them. Your membership...doesn’t give you the right to the people’s referrals.” (Tim Roberts, 14:08)
• Consistent and effective follow-up is crucial; merely being active isn’t enough—effectiveness wins trust and repeated referrals.
• Failing to follow up promptly can mean lost future opportunities.

6. Recommended Best Practices for Referral Follow-Up

Timestamp: 15:31–18:30

• Always communicate directly after entering a referral—phone call or voicemail, not just an app entry.
• Lay out expectations: inform the member that the referral is ready and waiting, and express urgency.
• Even if busy, don’t leave referrals until “when I get to that”; prioritize outreach soon after receiving.

7. Systemization and Responsibility

Timestamp: 18:31–20:30

• “If you’re that person who doesn’t have the systems in place...you could be hurting your reputation. You could be hurting the reputation of the person who passed it.” (Tim Roberts, 19:22)
• Intentional or not, lack of prompt follow-up damages credibility and future opportunities for all involved.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You should rightfully expect a quick turnaround in following up on the referrals you pass... anything that we receive we should be trying to connect as quickly as possible.”
  (Tim Roberts, 02:30)

• “My job is to make sure the person who took the time, took the effort, and put their reputation on the line for me—I need to make sure they look good for doing so.”
  (Tim Roberts, 10:17)

• “When you start questioning if this person’s affecting my reputation... it would kill the desire to refer them any further.”
  (Tim Roberts, 11:30)

• “You have no right to them, you still have to earn them. Your membership... doesn’t give you the right to the people’s referrals.”
  (Tim Roberts, 14:08)

• “Following up is essential. It is vital to the success of everybody involved in that situation.”
  (Tim Roberts, 19:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – 02:10 – Listener’s scenario & core question
• 02:11 – 06:00 – Why timely follow-up is critical and suggested timelines
• 06:01 – 09:30 – Communicating for clarity & efficiency
• 09:31 – 13:00 – Impact on reputation and member relationships
• 13:01 – 15:30 – Referrals must be earned, not assumed
• 15:31 – 18:30 – Actionable best practices for improving follow-up
• 18:31 – 20:30 – Systems, responsibility, and maintaining trust

Conclusion

Tim closes by validating the listener’s frustration and reiterating that timely follow-up is not just a courtesy—it’s fundamental to sustaining trust and success in BNI. Members are urged to prioritize referral follow-up, communicate clearly, and uphold the integrity of the referral process for everyone’s benefit.